By Michael J. Brooks
Bob Harrington, the former “Chaplain of Bourbon Street,” preached one night and advertised his sermon title in the local newspaper: “Three Places Where There’s No Problem with Racism.” This was in the civil rights era and our nation was fixated on this problem.
Hundreds came that night to hear Harrington. He touched on his announced theme only in the first paragraph of his sermon: “The three places where there’s no problem with racism are heaven, hell and the heart of a Christian.” Then Harrington preached a gun barrel-straight message about repentance!
“Should A Christian Celebrate Halloween?” is, likewise, poised to draw a crowd, but there’s no easy answer.
Some say Halloween is the “devil’s night” and refuse to participate or let their children participate. Others say it’s a harmless night of fun and see no problem with it.
I remember a boyhood Sunday School teacher who used to rail against race car driving. “It’s just like the Roman coliseum,” he often told us. “People go there to see drivers crash and die!”
A little harsh, to be sure, but race car driving is as popular as ever. We even have a block of conservatives called “NASCAR voters.” And at Talladega and other racetracks, Christians set up booths, give away bottles of water and serve as chaplains.
There was a local pastor when I was in high school who came back from a Bible conference with new enthusiasm, telling his congregation that he’d thrown his TV out the back door and that they had to do this, too, if they really loved Jesus. A few weeks later they threw him out the door!
TV is still here. There are vile things on it, to be sure, but there are also Christian programs sponsored by Billy Graham and local churches and entire Christian networks, too.
If we can’t stop racing or TV, we probably aren’t going to stop Halloween. So, how can we respond effectively?
Some churches have used the so-called “Judgment House” drama which tries to communicate the truth about death and eternity. Other churches provide on-site festivals or distribute printed gospel summaries or worship invitations that homeowners can give away with their Halloween treats. I’ve known some Christians who’ve designed nice Halloween gift packages and included a simple “God loves you” note. For some trick-or-treaters, this might be the only time they hear such a positive message.
Rather than turning our lights off or scowling at eager boys and girls that we don’t celebrate Halloween, why not give a little treat–the equivalent of a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name (Matthew 10:42)–and simply say, “God bless you”? -30-
Reflections is a weekly devotional column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster, Ala. The church’s website is siluriabaptist.com.
15 Comments
Barbara Williams Lemley-Wheeler
We don’t celebrate in our area. I am not
Celebrating as it is not safe in our areas with no street lights or side walks. We have Harvest Celebration at 4 churches in this area that has trunk treats and things for small children. After elementary school the older children can come to help as community volunteers with the children. We do not encourage children walking the streets with so many children being out in groups. Join a church invite in Hoover area or in your area. Stay Safe whether you celebrate Harvest Feast or Halloween.
Diana Ingram
Opening a can of worms this lovely Sunday, aren’t we?
Tjo Johnson
I’m a Christian and I love Halloween and seeing all the kids in cute costumes. If you have researched the history of this day and how it has evolved you know it has nothing to do with anything bad or evil. Wiccan celebrate it differently but people tend to confuse ” witches” as satanic and worshippers of the devil, which is not true at all. So yes, if you want to celebrate then you should.
Heather Williams
I love you so much! Thank you for trying to educate some. Blessed be!
David Graves
As long as it’s not during the school week
Vickie Davis
We dont
Kelly Edwards
Exactly! It’s like Christmas. Christmas is about Jesus’ birth but over the years it has become so commercialized and it’s turned into what it is today. Halloween is a fun time for kids to play dress up and get candy. Of course, I personally love the haunted houses so it’s a win-win in my house. Lol
Tjo Johnson
Kelly Edwards with no grandkids and a grown son, i just love doing it up for the kids. They are all so excited and cute. And I love their reactions when I hold a big bowl of candy out and tell them to take what they want. And all the fall decorations… it’s just awesome
Tjo Johnson
Heather Williams blessed be.
Fayne Love Howle
Absolutely, if we choose to.
Tamica Stewart
I celebrate anything where candy is involved. I would high-five the devil himself for a tootsie pop. 🙂
Sharon Blackwood Wilbourn
Kelly Edwards You are addicted to Halloween!! You need a Halloween rehab 😂
Kelly Edwards
Never! Lol
Sharon Blackwood Wilbourn
Kelly Edwards https://www.facebook.com/christopherjpetersen/videos/10153683225880987/
Michael Evans
Ask yourself WWJD? I think you’ll easily find your answers.